Memory devices having select gates with P type bodies, memory strings having separate source lines and methods

ABSTRACT

Memory devices and methods of operating memory devices are shown. Configurations described include a memory cell string having an elongated n type body region and having select gates with p type bodies. Configurations and methods shown can provide a reliable bias to a body region for memory operations such as erasing.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/955,448, filed Nov. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Higher memory density is always in demand to provide smaller devices with higher memory capacity. Forming memory devices laterally on a surface of a semiconductor chip uses a great deal of chip real estate. Improved memory devices are needed with new configurations to further increase memory density beyond traditional laterally formed memory devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a memory device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of a portion of the memory device from FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A shows a memory device during a programming operation according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of a portion of the memory device from FIG. 2A for a selected memory cell string according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of a portion of the memory device from FIG. 2A for a non-selected memory cell string according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A shows a memory device during an erase operation according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B shows a block diagram of a portion of the memory device from FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a memory device during a read operation according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B shows a block diagram of a portion of the memory device from FIG. 4A for a selected memory cell string according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C shows a block diagram of a portion of the memory device from FIG. 4A for a non-selected memory cell string according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an information handling system using a memory device according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and logical, electrical, material changes, etc. may be made.

The term “horizontal” as used in this application is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or surface of a substrate, such as a wafer or die, regardless of the orientation of the substrate. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as defined above. Prepositions, such as “on”, “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher”, “lower”, “over” and “under” are defined with respect to the conventional plane or surface being on the top surface of the substrate, regardless of the orientation of the substrate. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

A charge storage layer(s) 112 (e.g., a combination of a tunnel dielectric layer, a polysilicon layer, and a charge blocking layer; a combination of an oxide layer, a nitride layer, and an oxide layer; or other any other layer or combination of layers that can provide a charge storage function, whether currently known or future developed), substantially surrounds an elongated body region 110 to form a respective charge structure corresponding to each of a plurality of memory cell gates 114 (which may also substantially surround respective cross sections of the elongated body region 110 and charge storage layer(s) 112). A first select gate 120 and a second select gate 122 are shown to selectively electrically couple the elongated body region 110 to drain region 132 and a source region 130, respectively. A dielectric 104 can fill in spaces between components such as those described above.

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a memory device 100 where the elongated body region 110 forms a “U” shape with a pair of upward facing ends 111, 113. Another example configuration (not shown) includes a linear, vertical, elongated body region 110 with one end facing upward, and the other end facing downward. Another example configuration (not shown) includes a horizontal, linear, elongated body region 110 with ends on either side. Embodiments with two upward facing ends, 111, 113, such as the substantially “U” shaped configuration, enable easier formation of some components at the ends of the elongated body region 110 during manufacture, compared to embodiments where components are formed deeper in the structure.

In one example, the elongated body region 110 comprises n type semiconductor material, such as n-type polysilicon. A source region 130 and a drain region 132 are shown coupled to a first end 111 and a second end 113 of the elongated body region 110, respectively. In one example, the source region 130 and the drain region comprises p type semiconductor material, such as p-polysilicon. In operation, the pathway of source region 130, to elongated body region 110, to drain region 132 acts as an p-n-p transistor, with select gates 120, 122, and memory cell gates 114 operating to allow, or inhibit signal transmission along the way. In the example shown, the source region 130, elongated body region 110, drain region 132, select gates 120, 122, and memory cell gates 114 collectively form a memory cell string 101. FIG. 1A further shows that each memory cell string 101 has a separate drain select gate 120, while a source select gate 122 is shared between adjacent memory cell strings 101.

A source line 126 and a data line, such as bitline 128, are shown coupled to the source region 130 and the drain region 132 respectively. In one embodiment, a plug 124 is used to couple the bitline 128 to the drain region 132. Each of the source line 126, bitline 128 and plug 124 can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of metal, such as aluminum, copper, or tungsten, or alloys of these or other conductor metals. In the present disclosure, the term “metal” further includes metal nitrides, or other materials that operate primarily as conductors.

The configuration of a p-n-p transistor provides a p-n junction at a source interface 111. This configuration allows charge to flow more easily from the source line 126 through the source region 130, into the elongated body region 110. In contrast, a body region in an n-p-n transistor configuration often operates as a floating body, or relies on junction breakdown to place a charge on the body region. Using such a configuration of the present disclosure, the elongated body region 110 has the ability to be biased, and operates less as a floating body element. Biasing of the elongated body region 110 can provide for reliable memory operations such as an erase operation in particular.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of memory cell string 101 from FIG. 1A. In one embodiment, a connecting region 131 is located between the source line 126 and the source region 130 and is used to couple the source line to the source region. In one embodiment, the connecting region 131 comprises a p+ doped region and forms an ohmic contact between the source line 126 and the source region 130, such that the source line 126 is ohmically coupled to the source region 130. Configurations with an ohmic contact can provide for more reliable charge transfer between the source line 126 and the source region 130, in contrast to a Schottky contact, or other diode contact. In one example, the connecting region 131 comprises p+ doped polysilicon. In selected configurations, one or more connecting regions 131, 133 are not used, in order to reduce a number of processing operations in forming the memory device 100.

In one embodiment, a second connecting region 133 is located between the plug 124 (coupled to the bit line 128) and the drain region 132, and is used to couple the drain region 132 to the bit line 128. Similar to connecting region 131, in one embodiment, the connecting region 133 comprises a p+ doped region and forms an ohmic contact between the plug 124 and the drain region 132, such that the bit line 128 is ohmically coupled to the drain region 132. In one example, the connecting region 133 comprises p+ doped polysilicon.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an example programming operation of the memory device 100 from FIGS. 1A and 1B. A selected memory cell string 101 and a non-selected (inhibited) memory cell string 103 are shown in the memory device 100. A selected gate 140 from the plurality of memory cell gates 114 is shown being programmed.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of selected memory cell string 101 from FIG. 2A. In the selected memory cell string 101, the drain select gate 120 is biased to, for example, approximately 3 volts. The source select gate 122 is biased to, for example, approximately zero volts. The bit line 128 and source line 126 coupled to the selected memory cell string 101 are both biased to, for example, approximately zero volts. The plurality of memory cell gates 114 not being programmed are biased to, for example, approximately 10 volts, and the selected gate 140 is biased to a program voltage of, for example, approximately 20 volts. The potential difference between the body region 110 and the selected gate 140 (e.g., zero volts to 20 volts) is used to program charge into the charge storage structure adjacent to the selected gate 140 in the memory cell string 101.

FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of an adjacent, non-selected memory cell string 103 from FIG. 2A. In the non-selected memory cell string 103, the drain select gate 120 is biased to, for example, approximately zero volts. The source line 126 coupled to the non-selected memory cell string 103 is biased to, for example, approximately 2 volts. Accordingly, when the plurality of memory cell gates 114 not being programmed are biased to, for example, approximately 10 volts, the body region 110 is coupled up (e.g., boosted) to approximately 10 volts. In an alternative embodiment, the source line 126 can be directly biased to, for example, 10 volts. The lower potential difference between the body region 110 and the selected gate 140 in the non-selected memory cell string 103 (e.g., 10 volts to 20 volts) inhibits programming of the charge storage structure corresponding to the selected gate 140 in the non-selected memory cell string 103.

To inhibit programming a string (not shown) that shares (i.e., is also coupled to) a source line 126 and select gates 120, 122 with the selected string 101, the bit line coupled to that string is biased to, for example, approximately 2 volts. This allows the body region of that string to be boosted up to, for example, approximately 10 volts, regardless of the drain select gate or source line bias. Boosting the body region up to approximately 10 volts should inhibit programming of a charge storage structure corresponding to the selected gate 140 in such a string.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example erase operation of the memory device 100 from FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3B shows a block diagram of memory cell string 101 from FIG. 3A. In the memory cell string 101, the select gates 120, 122 can be floated or biased to, for example, approximately 20 volts. A bit line 128 coupled to the selected string 101 can also be floated or biased to, for example, approximately 20 volts. The source line 126 coupled to the selected string is biased to an erase voltage, such as approximately 20 volts, which forward biases the body region 110 to approximately 20 volts. Alternatively, such as in an embodiment without connecting regions 131, 133, the select gates 120, 122 can be biased to a higher voltage, such that the erase voltage is transferred to the body region 110 by turning on the select gates as opposed to forward biasing. The plurality of memory cell memory cell gates 114 are biased to, for example, approximately zero volts. The potential difference between the body region 110 and the memory cell gates 114 (20 volts to zero volts) is used to erase charge from the charge storage structures adjacent to the memory cell gates 114 in the memory cell string 101.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate an example read operation of the memory device 100 from FIGS. 1A and 1B. A selected memory cell string 101 and a non-selected (de-selected) memory cell string 103 are shown in the memory device 100. A charge storage structure corresponding to a selected gate 140 from the plurality of memory cell gates 114 is shown being read.

FIG. 4B shows a block diagram of selected memory cell string 101 from FIG. 4A. In the selected memory cell string 101, the drain select gate 120 is biased to, for example, approximately 5 volts. The source select gate 130 is biased to, for example, approximately 5 volts. A bit line 128 coupled to the selected string 101 is precharged to, for example, approximately one volt, and a source line 126 coupled to the selected string 101 is biased to, for example, approximately zero volts. The plurality of memory cell gates 114 not being read are biased to a pass voltage(s), for example, approximately 5 volts, while the selected gate 140 is biased to a read voltage (the value of which may be dependent on the particular state being read). The pass voltage on the memory cell gates 114 allow charge to pass through the body region 110, and only the charge storage structure corresponding to the selected gate 140 is checked for its logical state (e.g., a 0, 1, or other state). The portion of the body region 110 adjacent to the selected gate 140 can be conductive (accumulated) or non conductive (fully depleted) depending on the threshold voltage of that particular cell.

FIG. 4C shows a block diagram of an adjacent, non-selected memory cell string 103 from FIG. 4A. In the non-selected memory cell string 103, the drain select gate 132 is biased to, for example, approximately zero volts (turning off that gate) and the source select gate 130 is biased to, for example, approximately 5 volts. The source line 126 coupled to the non-selected memory cell string 103 is biased to, for example, approximately one volt. As the source bias is substantially equal to the bit line bias, substantially no current flows in the non-selected string 103.

To inhibit reading a string (not shown) that shares (i.e., is also coupled to) a source line 126 and select gates 120, 122 with the selected string 101, the bit line coupled to that string is biased to (e.g., biased with or discharged to), for example, approximately 0 volts. In such a case, as the bit line bias is substantially equal to the source bias, substantially no current flows in such a string.

An example bias table is shown below in Table 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.

TABLE 1 Program Read Erase Bit line select ~0 V ~1 V ~20 V bit line deselect ~2 V ~0 V N/A source select ~0 V ~0 V ~20 V source deselect ~2 V ~1 V N/A wordline select ~20 V  ~Vref  ~0 V wordline deselect ~10 V  ~5 V N/A drain gate select ~3 V ~5 V ~20 V drain gate ~0 V ~0 V N/A deselect source gate ~0 V ~5 V ~20 V common

Another example bias table is shown below in Table 2, according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the bias table in Table 2 is used for embodiments without p+ contacting regions such as 131 and 133 described in embodiments above.

TABLE 2 Program Read Erase Bit line select ~0 V ~1 V ~20 V bit line deselect ~2 V ~0 V N/A source select ~0 V ~0 V ~20 V source deselect ~2 V ~1 V N/A wordline select ~20 V  ~Vref  ~0 V wordline deselect ~10 V  ~5 V N/A drain gate select ~3 V ~5 V ~25 V drain gate ~0 V ~0 V N/A deselect source gate ~0 V ~5 V ~25 V common

Another example bias table for programming is shown below in Table 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

TABLE 3 Program Bit line select ~0 V bit line deselect ~10 V  source select ~0 V source deselect ~10 V  wordline select ~20 V  wordline deselect ~10 V  drain gate select ~3 V drain gate ~0 V deselect source gate ~0 V common

An embodiment of an information handling system such as a computer is included in FIG. 6 to show an embodiment of a high-level device application for the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an information handling system 600 incorporating a memory device according to embodiments of the invention as described above. Information handling system 600 is merely one embodiment of an electronic system in which decoupling systems of the present invention can be used. Other examples include, but are not limited to, tablet computers, cameras, personal data assistants (PDAs), cellular telephones, MP3 players, aircraft, satellites, military vehicles, etc.

In this example, information handling system 600 comprises a data processing system that includes a system bus 602 to couple the various components of the system. System bus 602 provides communications links among the various components of the information handling system 600 and may be implemented as a single bus, as a combination of busses, or in any other suitable manner.

Chip assembly 604 is coupled to the system bus 602. Chip assembly 604 may include any circuit or operably compatible combination of circuits. In one embodiment, chip assembly 604 includes a processor 606 that can be of any type. As used herein, “processor” means any type of computational circuit such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other type of processor or processing circuit.

In one embodiment, a memory device 607 is included in the chip assembly 604. In one embodiment, the memory device 607 includes a NAND memory device according to embodiments described above.

In one embodiment, additional logic chips 608 other than processor chips are included in the chip assembly 604. An example of a logic chip 608 other than a processor includes an analog to digital converter. Other circuits on logic chips 608 such as custom circuits, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. are also included in one embodiment of the invention.

Information handling system 600 may also include an external memory 611, which in turn can include one or more memory elements suitable to the particular application, such as one or more hard drives 612, and/or one or more drives that handle removable media 613 such as compact disks (CDs), flash drives, digital video disks (DVDs), and the like. A semiconductor memory die constructed as described in examples above is included in the information handling system 600.

Information handling system 600 may also include a display device 609 such as a monitor, additional peripheral components 610, such as speakers, etc. and a keyboard and/or controller 614, which can include a mouse, trackball, game controller, voice-recognition device, or any other device that permits a system user to input information into and receive information from the information handling system 600.

While a number of embodiments of the invention are described, the above lists are not intended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for erasing a memory cell string, comprising: biasing a plurality of memory cell gates to a first voltage, wherein the memory cell gates are adjacent to a n type body region; and biasing a source line to a second voltage different from the first voltage, wherein biasing the source line biases the n type body region through a p-n junction at a source end of the body region.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein biasing the plurality of memory cell gates to the first voltage includes biasing the plurality of memory cell gates to approximately zero volts.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein biasing the source line to the second voltage includes biasing the source line to approximately twenty volts.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising floating select gates of the string and floating a data line coupled to the string, wherein biasing the source line couples the select gates and the data line to approximately the first voltage.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising biasing select gates of the string to at least the first voltage.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising biasing a data line coupled to the string to approximately the first voltage.
 7. A method of operating a memory cell in a selected string of memory cells, wherein a selected string is adjacent to a non-selected string, a data line is coupled to both the selected string and the non-selected string, a first source line is coupled to the selected string, and a second source line is coupled to the non-selected string, the method comprising: biasing a plurality of memory cell gates to a first voltage, wherein the memory cell gates are adjacent to a n type body region; biasing a source line to a second voltage different from the first voltage, wherein biasing the source line biases the n type body region through a p-n junction at a source end of the body region; biasing the first source line to a first source voltage; biasing the data line to a data line voltage; biasing a drain select gate of the selected string to a drain select gate voltage; and biasing the second source line to a second source voltage, wherein the second source voltage is higher than the first source voltage.
 8. The method of operation of claim 7, wherein the method includes an erase operation.
 9. The method of operation of claim 7, wherein the method includes a programming operation.
 10. The method of operation of claim 7, wherein the method includes a reading operation. 